For 2/3rds of that price you can get the dual core athlon 5000+ computer.. the entire system.

It's like $950 shipped, and has a $50 rebate plus you get windows vista upgraded fo free.

I seeing outstanding render speed here with it. I can render a standard window with everything on in less then a minute.

If you choose to get that system, best current "buys" are also geta a 500 wat power supply to replace the base HP one, and a ati x1950 pro 256 meg video card. (about $200 after it's $30 rebate)

Way too many people take way too many things way too seriously.